Healthcare Athens, GA Pop. 127,064

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Athens, Georgia

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Athens, GA is $44,739 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 3.2% below the Georgia state average.

City Median
$44,739
vs State Avg
$-1,491
vs National
$-4,971
Cost of Living
90%

Substance Abuse Counselor Pay in Athens: What to Expect (2026)

Athens offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $44,739, which is $1,491 below the Georgia state average of $46,230. Compared to the national median of $49,710, Athens pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Athens's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Athens spans from $27,000 at the 10th percentile to $73,800 at the 90th percentile — a $46,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,700, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,200. With a population of 127,064, Athens is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Athens by Experience

In Athens, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $29,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,700
$-3,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,900
$-5,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,200
$-7,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Athens, GA

Percentile Athens
10th Percentile $27,000
25th Percentile $34,200
Median (50th) $44,739
75th Percentile $58,500
90th Percentile $73,800

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Georgia Cities

Atlanta, GA
$50,704
Pop. 498,715
Savannah, GA
$45,733
Pop. 147,780
Augusta, GA
$43,745
Pop. 202,081
Columbus, GA
$42,751
Pop. 206,922

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Athens

Education

Most substance abuse counselor positions require a bachelor's degree. Athens and the surrounding Georgia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Addiction CounselingCBT/MIGroup TherapyCrisis InterventionDocumentationEmpathy

Job Outlook

Nationally, substance abuse counselor employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Athens may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Athens

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Athens, GA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Athens

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Athens, GA? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Athens, Georgia is $44,739 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $27,000 (10th percentile) to $73,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Athens? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,739, a substance abuse counselor in Athens earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Athens compare to the Georgia state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Athens's median substance abuse counselor salary of $44,739 is 3.2% below the Georgia state average of $46,230. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Athens, GA? ▼
Athens has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a substance abuse counselor salary of $44,739 in Athens has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a substance abuse counselor in Athens? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Athens require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Addiction Counseling, CBT/MI, Group Therapy, Crisis Intervention. The job market is projected to grow 22% nationally over the next decade.